Book Review: Surviving to Thriving

I’ve seen a pattern in myself and others who have discovered the SCD and found a new health. First there’s joy at finding an effective treatment for our IBD without the side effects and risks of medications. Secondly there is anger. Why didn’t one of our doctors tell us about this? Thirdly is a sort of SCD evangelism, a desire to spread the word, to help others alleviate their suffering and enjoy the new health we have found. For me, that desire resulted in this blog.

Jordan Reasoner and Steven Wright created a blog and podcast, but they took it even further and wrote a book. SCD Lifestyle – Surviving to Thriving is an ebook that I think is a great resource for those who want to start the SCD, but feel intimidated or perhaps have tried the SCD, but not seen the progress they’ve hoped for. Surviving to Thriving is part inspiration, part cheerleading and tons of highly detailed, practical, step-by-step hand-holding to get through the first 90 days of the SCD and give you the tools and habits to continue on your own. This book and its bonus materials aren’t meant as a substitution for Elaine Gottschall’s Breaking the Vicious Cycle, but as an aid, an elaboration. If Elaine is your teacher, Jordan and Steve are your study buddies. Not only have they written this book, they extend their collective hand to you personally if you need extra help.

One aspect of their book that is unique is the attention paid to the psychological aspects of doing the SCD. Food is huge part of our lives and making a radical change has implications for socializing, work, cravings and guilt to name a few. Jordan and Steve give these subjects the attention they deserve, helping the reader to deal with them in constructive and practical ways.

In short, Jordan and Steve are great guys, doing great work. I’ve had the pleasure of talking with them and their mission and vision statements on their blog say just what these guys are all about – getting you started on the SCD and finding a new definition of health.